PANJIM: Despite the North Goa Collector rejecting permissions and asking not to go against Court order, the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) granted approval for Ashtami fair on Campal Promenade.

A document available with Herald reveals that the NG Collector had said that granting permission would create a traffic mess but despite that the CCP Commissioner Ajit Roy gave his nod overriding the Collector’s concern.

“The DB Bandodkar Marg from ferry wharf to Campal is a No Parking Zone. Any activity promoted on the promenade adjoining this road will encourage illegal parking on the said road such as for loading and unloading of the furniture, visitors parking, etc,” the Collector had warned in a letter dated 29/08/2018.

It further said according to traffic police this will be a traffic accident hazard on the road and should not be allowed.

“The High Court of Bombay at Goa in Writ Petition No 148 of 1997 had barred usage of public passages, etc, for commercial use. Considering the Directions of High Court the stalls set up at this place last year for Ashtami Fair had to be shifted to Kala Academy compound. You are therefore required to take note of the court directions and take prudent decision,” the letter reads.

The Collector further said that activist Kashinath Shetye had served a notice to the undersigned and also to CCP office to initiate contempt proceeding in case the directions of the HC are violated.

“In view of the above you are required to consider the above objections and take appropriate decision at the earliest. It is recommended to not set up any stalls on the Campal promenade,” the letter said.

The collector in the letter further said that the identification of any other site for such fair should be made strictly in consultation with local police and traffic cell to ensure proper law and order.